Student donates years of hair to charity
Posted Feb 26, 2010 By Charelle Evelyn
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Tweet ThisEMC News - For her entire 15 years, Victoria Klassen has never been to the salon for more than a three-inch trim. As a fan of lengthy hair, as long as she kept it neat, her parents never had an issue with her desire to keep growing it.
But almost four years ago, Victoria made the decision that enough was enough and she would eventually cut her hair. It was then that she stumbled upon a magazine article detailing girls who had donated their hair and decided that would be her goal.
Her decision was impressive, said her mother, Samantha.
"It's very generous of her," said Ms. Klassen, adding that Victoria took it upon herself to do the research. "I didn't know how to do it."
Victoria decided to donate her hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged youth in North America.
Based in Florida, donors must mail their shorn ponytails to the company, which will combine them to make a cranial prosthesis. About six to 10 donated ponytails go into one hairpiece for a Locks of Love recipient.
The hairpieces, which retail between $3,500 and $6,000, are provided to clients free of charge or on a sliding fee scale based on the finances of their guardians.
Ms. Klassen said she is proud that her daughter is doing something to help others. "We've always tried to teach her to give and share a little joy," she said.
Before she went under the scissors Feb. 13, Victoria was anxious but optimistic about the upcoming change to her nearly waist-long locks. Losing 10 inches of hair would provide some ease for the St. Mark's student when participating in cheerleading and other sports.
Bessie Porcari, her stylist at Rinaldo's hair salon, was eager to get to work in Victoria's hair.
"You made me promise a few years ago that you could cut my hair," Victoria reminded her.
After Ms. Porcari made the definitive cut, Victoria's reaction was one of disbelief.
"Oh my God, what have I done," she exclaimed. Ruefully stroking her separated ponytail, Victoria acknowledged that her head felt far lighter and was looking forward to revealing her new look to her unsuspecting friends.
For more information on hair donation, visit www.locksoflove.org.
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